Mayor to combat child poverty with £28m action plan

A near £30million project to combat child poverty in the region has been launched.

- by Tom Patterson

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has approved a £28.6million Child Poverty Action Plan, aimed at driving what she says is the most "comprehensive and coordinated regional initiative of its kind in England."

Measures include:

*Testing a new North East health in pregnancy grant to support expectant mothers in the area on low incomes or in receipt of Universal Credit.

*Expanding the provision baby boxes, containing essentials like room thermometers, playmats and stimulating books and toys to first-time, low income families.